The Beauty Behind the Scars of Motherhood

from Our Editors

1 min read ⭑

Abbie Halberstadt

Motherhood isn’t always pretty. In “You Bet Your Stretch Marks,” Abbie Halberstadt — homeschooling mom of ten — invites readers to hold space for both the messy and the meaningful. Rather than paint motherhood as a smooth journey, she leans into reality. She frames “stretch marks” as metaphorical scars that hold stories of growth, writing, “Will it be painful and hard at times? Without a doubt.”

Across the book’s chapters, Halberstadt weaves Scripture, honest reflections and personal stories to help moms find purpose in seasons of weariness. Her tone is steady and real, shaped by years of parenting experience. As she explains, the title came from a moment of conviction during a conversation with fellow moms. Someone questioned whether the cost of motherhood was worth it, and she responded, “You bet your stretch marks” — a line that stuck because it felt true. The book builds from that moment, exploring how loving and raising children stretches a woman’s body, faith, patience and character.

Halberstadt also released a companion study guide with reflection questions and prayer prompts to help readers process each chapter in a practical way. Her message is simple: the scars of motherhood don’t disqualify us — they remind us what love can endure.